Kuwaiti and Swiss officials, led by Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad, celebrate the Swiss Embassy opening with a commemorative cake-cutting.
KUWAIT CITY, Oct 25: His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad stated that “since its independence, Kuwait has given importance to its foreign relations, especially with countries that hold a distinguished position in the international system. These relations reached their peak under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who wisely leads the country at a delicate and sensitive stage in the history of the region, extending his hand of friendship to brotherly and friendly countries in the East and West, while focusing on Kuwaiti- Swiss relations and recommending the continuous strengthening of cooperation between the two countries, in accordance with His Highness’ strategic vision.”
In his speech at the opening of the new building of the Swiss Embassy in Al-Qadsiyah on Saturday, in the presence of Swiss Foreign Affairs Minister Ignazio Cassis and his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Al-Yahya, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad narrated “the opening of the Swiss Embassy in Kuwait evokes in me the memories of the beginnings, when Kuwait and the Swiss Confederation decided on June 16, 1966 to establish relations between them. I was honored to lay the first foundation stone in the edifice of relations between the two sides. In the same year that the two sides decided to establish relations, I was appointed Consul General of the State of Kuwait to the Swiss Confederation, based in Geneva. I served in that position for two years before leaving for Tehran and being appointed Ambassador Extraordinary to Iran in 1968.”
He disclosed, “I have known Switzerland since 1959, and during that time, I established a network of relationships there and appreciated its sense of order, perseveranc,e and excellence. That same year, the Swiss government appointed its ambassador to Lebanon as its ambassador to Kuwait. A year later, an honorary consulate of the Swiss Confederation was opened in Kuwait, and the late Murad Yusuf Behbehani was appointed as the honorary consul. Thus, Kuwait became the second Gulf state to establish relations with the Swiss Confederation. Within that period, relations between the two sides developed, prompting the Swiss government to open an embassy in Kuwait City in 1975. When I assumed the premiership in February 2006, the Kuwaiti government decided to open an embassy for the State of Kuwait in Bern in April 2006, recognizing the importance of our relations. I made an official visit to the Swiss Confederation to further develop our relations on Sept 12-16, 2011.”
He explained that “Switzerland is not merely a global center for wealth management and sovereign investments, or a safe haven for funds, as it is a model of excellence and a successful and independent State despite its small geographical size. Its diplomacy is characterized by its quiet, discreet and unostentatious approach, which is consistent with the Gulf diplomatic style. Perhaps, this made it a preferred choice for Gulf states whenever they need neutral mediation or an informal channel of communication, such as its role in protecting the interests of other countries. Since the end of World War II, Switzerland has undertaken the task of protecting interests in more than 200 cases between different countries. At the height of its activity, it represented more than 70 countries.”
He said “for us in the Arabian Gulf, Swiss cities have attracted Gulf families for tourism, up to the point that it has become a seasonal tradition, creating informal social and cultural ties and encouraging many Kuwaitis to acquire homes in various cantons of the Swiss Confederation in accordance with its laws on home ownership. This allowed Switzerland to maintain its image as a balanced country in the international media, which has given it a positive standing in public opinion”. He pointed out that relations between the State of Kuwait and the Swiss Confederation have witnessed remarkable development through a series of reciprocal official visits between senior officials from both sides, including political leaders, ministers, foreign ministers, heads of parliaments, special envoys and high-ranking directors.
“Several rounds of political consultations have also been held between the two countries, reflecting the keenness of both sides to enhance dialogue and coordination on various regional and international issues,” he added. He asserted that this extensive diplomatic activity, spanning two decades of visits and continuous rounds of consultations, reveals the significant development in the relationship between the two friendly countries. “Perhaps, the most important of these was the high-level meeting between His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and former President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last year,” he stated.
He added “It makes us even prouder that Kuwait, thanks to the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad, has become one of the safest and most stable countries, and is keen on developing relations with various countries around the world.” He pointed out that Switzerland is at the forefront of these countries, as it is not just an economic partner, but also a political, ethical and financial model, as confirmed by its policies. He asserted that “Kuwait remains committed to its relations with Switzerland. We do not forget its stance during the brutal Iraqi aggression when it took a strong and principled position supporting the Kuwaiti position, and, in a humanitarian initiative, allowed Kuwaitis stranded on its territory to extend their stay and permitted our students to enroll in its schools.”
He affirmed that Kuwait and Switzerland are united by an exceptional relationship based on mutual trust and stable interests, reflecting a deep understanding of what it means to be a small country in a large world, building influence through trust, not power. Meanwhile, Al-Yahya expressed his happiness over attending the opening of the Swiss Embassy in Kuwait, confirming that the speech of His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed accurately reflected the depth and distinguished history of Kuwaiti-Swiss relations. He asserted, “I am happy to be here at this opening. I believe His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al- Mohammed’s speech perfectly embodied the Kuwaiti-Swiss relationship and its history. Honestly, I cannot add anything to what Sheikh Nasser said.” Asked if there are official discussions with the Swiss Foreign Affairs Minister, Al-Yahya clarified, “there were no discussions today. The visit was only for the embassy opening. Nevertheless, the Swiss Minister extended an invitation to visit Switzerland, and God willing, there will be bilateral discussions soon in Switzerland.” In addition, Cassis said the opening of the new Swiss Embassy in Kuwait reflects the depth of bilateral relations and the spirit of trust, respect and friendship that united the two countries for six decades.
He stressed “this is a rare and unique historical moment.” He pointed out “this move came at the perfect time. Next year, we will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Kuwait. As Foreign Affairs Minister, I deeply appreciate relationships like ours, which are based not only on shared interests—important as they are—but also on mutual respect and genuine friendship.” He said “Kuwaitis were among the first people in the Gulf to discover Switzerland, thanks to the direct flights launched by our former national airline, Swissair, in 1959. Since then, Switzerland has become a second home for many Kuwaiti families. Last night, right here where I am speaking now, I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with a number of guests who spoke passionately about their personal experiences in Switzerland, not just as stories told or watched on Netflix, but experiences they lived themselves, some over three consecutive generations. Many have studied in Switzerland, many spend their holidays there, and others conduct their business there, including His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad and His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad, whom we rightly consider the greatest friend of Switzerland in Kuwait. We are honored by his presence with us today.” Furthermore, Swiss Ambassador to Kuwait Tiziano Balmelli reiterated that the opening of the new Swiss Embassy building in Kuwait reflects the depth of the distinguished relations and the beautiful friendship that unite the two countries, praising the highlevel attendance from both sides during the opening ceremony.
